Historical Traveler Reviews Hyatt Regency Calgary

Not worth the prices

from loo

We were there on a business trip for several days.

While the staff are outwardly very friendly, it was only skin-deep.

The guy at the door who tries to whisk your car away became quite hostile when we needed to leave the car out front for a couple of minutes during check-in -- we moved it out of the way of traffic, but he still was quite nasty.

The lobby is the most sterile and intimidating one I have ever been in. There is not one solitary piece of literature to be seen anywhere in that lobby, and the rooms don't have anything either. When you walk in, the "front" desk is so far away, you feel discouraged from even approaching it.

The rooms were only ho-hum for a hotel that charges these kind of prices. Beds were fine, but I've definitely slept in better.

We didn't have a choice about where we stayed on this trip, but if I were going back, I'd find some place else for sure.

Great stay at Calgary Hyatt

from edleo13

Many of the reviews of this hotel are mixed. However, after spending (4) nights at the Hyatt Calgary on business from 3/13 through 3/17, I have nothing but wonderful things to say.

If you have the opportunity, ask for a room on the corner of the hotel. I had a GREAT room on the SW corner of the hotel, 17th floor - room 1701. Great view of downtown plus rooms at the end of the hallways have (2) small windows in the bathroom area. Ask for the south side and you'll have a view of Calgary Tower and the Saddledome.

Like many of the other hotels (i.e. Westin & Sheraton), the Hyatt has also upgraded their bedding. My king bed featured a super comfy pillow-top mattress and a down comforter.

While the rooms aren't huge, the closet and bathroom were generous. Shower pressure was very good plus the closet had ample room for my overcoat and (4) days of shirts and pants. I also liked the fact that the room had a safe with an electrical outlet in it (for laptops, phones, etc.).

As I booked on the business plan, the breakfast buffett at Thomson's Restaurant was included in my room rate each day. It's a very nice spread with all your basics...French toast, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, made to order omelets, & bread items. The servers inside are super friendly and they were more than happy to accommodate my unusual breakfast request of a Diet Pepsi each morning. FYI - the business plan is really a great deal - especially if you are going to use everything it includes. Items in the plan include breakfast ($16 menu price plus gratuity included), 2 drink coupons each day ($10-15), free local and 1-800 calls ($1 a pop), and free high speed internet ($12.95/day).

The hotel is within walking distance of all major attractions downtown. The Stephen Avenue Walk, featuring various shops and restaurants, is directly on the south side of the hotel. All major downtown shopping (i.e. The Bay, Scotia Center, etc.) is one block west on Stephen. The Calgary Tower is one block away south. Stampede Park, Casino, & the Saddledome are about 8 blocks to the SE. I'd probably suggest taking the light rail system if you're going there. The hotel is on the corner of Centre and 7th Avenue, making the rail system (both lines) easily accessible. Eau Claire Market and Bow River are about 7 blocks north.

A few thoughts if you are hoping to enjoy some of the downtown areas...most of them (all shopping) close by 6PM on Monday through Wednesday. Furthermore, while I generally felt pretty safe downtown, there are a large number of beggars on Stephen Avenue, including some directly outside the Hyatt. Just walking to Subway for food each evening (one block West on Stephen), I got hit up by at least 2-3 different people each night.

Ultimately, you probably don't need to leave the hotel each evening if you don't really want to. Thomson's serves dinner each night plus the hotel offers 24 hour room service. For exercise, check out the workout room and pool on the 18th floor. The workout room has 5-6 treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, weights, and a bunch of TVs to keep you entertained. The pool area features an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, and steam room. Both areas have floor to ceiling windows for great views of Calgary. The pool and workout room are free to hotel guests.

One other comment - do not pay $28 for valet parking. Self parking (with in and out privileges) is $16/day and MUCH more convenient than dealing with valet. In fact, both the valet and self-parkers use the same heated, 3-level garage under the hotel. Both enter through the same door on Centre Street. Plus, only the self-parkers don't have to go out in the cold to get in their cars.

In conclusion, the Hyatt is a great hotel - especially for business travelers. In addition to the amenities noted above, I found their people went out of their way to make my stay pleasant. On my last day, they extended my check-out time to 2PM because I had a late flight. Additionally, when I came back to my room each evening, housekeeping had filled my ice bucket and placed some Cokes I kept in my room on ice. Its little things like this that will definitely bring me back to the Hyatt when I return to Calgary.

Unlike any other

from anonymous

I had stayed there once before on business and when my wife and I were planning on returning to Calgary after skiing in Banff, I remembered what a pleasure it had been previously and booked again.

From the time we pulled into the front driveway the staff was amazing. The cleanliness was something you don't find in too many hotels these days. We were very impressed by the original art displayed throughout the hotel (a staff memeber said the value was near $2 million), the beautiful finishes and the amazing spa in the hotel. We had dinner and brunch in the hotel and the only thing better than the service was the quality of the food. We have stayed at most of the other major chains downtown and nothing else compares.

A pleasant surprise

from anonymous

My husband and I were heading to Banff to do some skiing for our anniversary and when our plane arrived late to Calgary, we decided to stay the night before heading to the mountains. We have been to Calgary before but wanted to stay somewhere new and chose the Hyatt Regency mainly because of its downtown location and the fact it had heated underground parking as it was very cold that day. From the moment we pulled up in our rented SUV we were greeted with a warm smile and whisked into a warm and spotless lobby. The front desk were extemely positive, did not rush us, and when they heard we were going skiing the next day, they recommend some places we should go not only to ski but eat in Banff. We had a late night dinner and the food and service was excellent. Everyone made us feel so welcomed. At the end of our whole trip, the Hyatt Regency in Calgary was by far the most impressive stay of our holidays. We look forward to staying there again on both business and pleasure.

Anniversary Dinner

from anonymous

Saturday, October 2/04, was my wife and my 25th anniversary. We decided to try the Hyatt rather than the Owls' Nest, Hys' or Caesars, as we have done in the past. We were greeted by a casual dining room, people were wearing sport shirts, while we were dressed up. The waiter mixed up our 'starter' orders and while I ate my salad my wife had to wait about 15 mimutes for her prawns to arrive. My wife was upset with the menu, it even had a hamburger listed on it. She loves prime rib but was told that it was only aviable on Thursday nights. I ordered a 10 ounce steak for $31 and nothing came with it...the salad was another $7. My wife had the chicken which was also overpriced and very small. The waiter did not charge up for the starters nor the really small dessert that we ordered. We have stayed all over the world in hotels and have never had an experience like this. This weekend we are travelling to San Francisco for our anniversary and staying at the Hyatt Regency. I hope it is not the same atmosphere nor will have the same bland menu items. Hyatt should mean quality, rather than being substandard.

I shall be writing the chairman of the hotel to relate this message to him.

I have spoken to the manager of the Hyatt in Calgary concerning this matter, hopefully he will make our trip to San Francisco more enjoyable that the hotel in Calgary.

I am very disappointed in the service, the menu and the casual atmosphere of the Calgary hotel.

James R. Bota

The best service.

from anonymous

Great location. The staff was the best. They went out of there way to make sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. The Concierge (Lorin) was the must helpful that I have ever met. He's is the BEST. Our hotel room was a corner room that was a little tight for 2 adults and 1 child but it worked out fine. We stayed there for 6 nights and did not rent a car because the light rail is right on the north side of the hotel and it took us everywhere that we wanted to go to. I would not stay anywhere else but the Hyatt in Calgary.There is something for everyone that stays at the Hyatt.If you read this Lorin you are the best there is. Calgary is a great town. C-ya PSC

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Not what expected

from winterbrrr

We stayed for 1 night just before the Calgary Stampede.

This hotel is right downtown, on the pedestrian walkway (Stephen Ave.). The location is great. Close to the Calgary Tower and tons of shopping and restaurants. The hotel lobby is huge. It was decorated in cowboy/indian style and during our stay, the staff were dressed in denim and cowboy boots. This made the hotel feel down to earth and not as stuffy as we had imagined it would be.

Underground parking is available, either self or valet park. I believe it cost $14/day for self parking.

The room was not as luxurious as we thought it should be. It was basic with 2 double beds. The toiletries were of better quality. There was a coffeemaker with a selection of coffee and tea. The room was clean and neat. The pool was located on the top floor, 18th. It was a fairly shallow lap-pool, but adequate for children. It was all one depth, no diving allowed. The temperature was perfect. There was an elevated area with whirlpool. That was hot!! What a great view from the whirlpool. We could see the Stampede Park and the Saddledome. There was a steam room as well. Towels very provided and replenished frequently. Adjacent was the fitness centre with a variety of exercise machines.

This was more of a business hotel, but the staff was pleasant enough to our children.

This hotel wasn't as fancy as we had expected, but that probably made it more child-friendly.

A good choice in downtown Calgary.

Relaxing, great bargain

from ariesgal

Very new in heart of downtown Calgary. Hyatt quality you's expect. Great amenities and very comfortable. Paid right under US$100 per night including taxes & fees Labor Day weekend 2003. Can't beat the price for such quality! Great staff, very spacious lobby and ground floor. Ample parking for hotel guest but forgot if it's free...

Wickedly overrated!

from anonymous

Not great is all I can say. I booked a room with a King Bed - it wasn't available - got a room with two double beds and no apology. They overdid the room deoderizer - the smell was a bit sickning and stayed on my clothes - very perfumy. The bed was not super comfortable. The heating system did not work so my room was freezing at night. I told the staff on checkout - again, no apology or offer of compensation. If you choose this hotel and expect 4 stars, you are in for a bit of a disappointment.

Hyatt Impresses

from anonymous

Calgary's definative 'city hotel', the brand new Hyatt rises high above Olympic Plaza, Stephen Avenue Walk, and the connected Telus Convention Centre. It is a quick walk to the major shopping core, but these malls can't be accessed by the +15 walkway system - yes, it is necessary to go outside. The lovely historic streetscape of Stephen Ave. makes this walk a pleasure.

The lobby is elegant but not grand, it is the adjacent atrium that impresses, or intimidates, with its unusually high ceiling and groups of formally arranged furnishings. The hotel's restaurant and bar facilities open off of this area.

Standard rooms are smallish, without the requisite down duvets and frivolous furnishings you'd expect in the price range.

The hotel's recreational facilities are located on the 18th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows. From the fitness centre there is a patio, unfortunately the door is usually locked. The pool is reasonably sized considering it is perched atop hundreds of guest rooms, while the hot tub offers a night time view of the Calgary Tower.

TripAdvisor Reviews Hyatt Regency Calgary

Excellent

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